Monica Stirpe

I attribute my success to honesty, loyalty, perseverance, and a strong commitment to doing things the right way. I take great pride in being someone others can trust and depend on. I am a perfectionist by nature; I pay close attention to the details and hold myself to a high standard. I also have a strong drive to follow through. When I start something, I am determined to see it through to the end. Throughout my career, I have learned that success is not just about what you accomplish individually—it is also about how you support the people around you, build trust, and contribute to the success of the organization as a whole.

“Put yourself out there. The only person holding you back is you.” That advice has stayed with me because it is a reminder not to let fear or self-doubt limit what you are capable of achieving. I also believe in going the extra mile and taking ownership of your work. If something needs to be done, I do not wait for someone else to figure it out. I look for the solution and get it done. I believe a great executive assistant should always be thinking one step ahead—anticipating needs, solving problems before they become problems, and bringing structure and organization to the people and teams they support. Ultimately, I have learned that you do not have to have every answer to be successful. You need to be willing to learn, take initiative, work hard, and have the confidence to put yourself out there. I have also learned the importance of holding myself in high regard. I believe in knowing my worth, respecting my abilities, and having confidence in what I bring to the table.

Take initiative, be reliable, and believe in yourself. Do not wait to be asked to do something- look ahead, recognize what needs to be done, and find a way to help.

I would also encourage young women to know who they are and not be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is not a weakness; it is one of the best ways to learn and grow. Build a strong professional network and surround yourself with people who encourage you and challenge you to become better. Most importantly, do not underestimate yourself.

One of the biggest challenges in the executive assistant profession is that people sometimes do not fully understand the level of responsibility and importance the role carries. An executive assistant is much more than someone who manages a calendar or handles administrative tasks. We are often the face of our executives, trusted with confidential information, and an important part of the leadership team.

At the same time, I see that as a tremendous opportunity. Executive assistants have a front-row seat to leadership, strategy, decision-making, and how organizations operate. The role requires you to be adaptable and comfortable with change, because priorities can shift quickly and you have to be able to respond. For me, one of the most rewarding parts of the profession is being able to anticipate needs, solve problems before they become problems, and bring structure to an environment where there are constantly moving pieces.

My family and friends are the foundation of my life. My parents have been married for 42 years, and they taught my sisters and me the importance of having a strong work ethic, being independent, and always doing our best. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and career. The values that are important to me personally are respect, loyalty, compassion, honesty, and teamwork. I believe that strong relationships are built on trust and mutual respect and I always try to create an environment where the people around me feel valued and supported. Working in a hospital also gives those values an even greater meaning. I have tremendous respect for our organization's mission and the people we serve in our community. Knowing that the work we do ultimately contributes to helping others gives me an even greater sense of purpose and accountability every day.